“How about I try this one then?” Sutton points to a lemon cupcake.
“Yes! It matches your hair,” Penny cheers, pointing between the yellow frosting and Sutton’s hair.
“It sure does, doesn’t it?” She holds up the cupcake next to her short hair, causing Penny to giggle.
“You’ll get frosting on it.”
Sutton smiles before cutting the bottom half of the cupcake. I watch carefully, seeing what her next move is. When she places it on top of the frosting to create a cupcake sandwich, Penny giggles.
“That’s how my dad eats his cupcakes,” she squeals.
“Is that so?” Sutton smiles over at me. I nod. “Great minds.” She tilts her head before taking a bite. “God, this is good.” She wipes her mouth, and I can’t help but keep my eyes glued to her face.
“Daddy, can I have another one?” Penny steals my attention.
“One more,” I lift a finger.
“Yessss.” Her shoulders tense up to her ears in excitement.
“That’s a mighty fine outfit,” Sutton says, looking at Penny’s get-up.
“Do you like it? I dressed myself.” Penny stands and shows her. Pink leggings peek out from under jean shorts, and a long-sleeved white tee shirt is under a pink tee with a glitter unicorn. All of this topped with a jean vest that has a heart patch and her brown and pink boots over her leggings.
“You don’t say? I would’ve guessed your Daddy did,” Sutton acts surprised, her eyes briefly meeting mine with a smile before turning her full attention back to Penny. I’m surprised by the careful attention she gives her, having a real conversation and not seeming one bit annoyed by the five-year-old chatter.
Penny giggles and shakes her head. “I always dress myself. Well, almost always. Daddy chooses my clothes for school.” Her exaggerated pout makes Sutton and I laugh.
“School’s got certain rules,” I remind her.
“I know, but I love dressing like this.”
I love letting her dress herself so she can express her creativity. I never want to crush her individuality or create a sense of insecurity, but once she went to school in a tutu, and her teacher told me it was against school rules because of the distraction it could cause to their learning.
“I think it’s great that you dress yourself,” Sutton praises.
“Thanks.” Penny beams proudly.
Silence falls over the table as I count on my daughter to make conversation with the woman next to me even though I’m the damn adult here.
“So, you and Knox are performing at the sock hop, right?” I wrap my hands around my empty coffee cup, my shoulders tight as I wait for her to respond.
“Yes. We met with Mr. Powell this week. I’m excited. I haven’t been to a sock hop in years,” her eyes widen as she emphasizes her words.
“Everton has one every year in the spring.”
“It’s so much fun,” Penny pipes in. “I buy a new dress, and Daddy lets me wear a little bit of makeup.” Her toothy grin makes me chuckle.
“It’s just a bit of lipstick. She cons me into it with those big eyes and innocent smile.” I look at Sutton.
“Anyone would fall for that.” Her smile calms me as I stretch my neck and nod.
“Gotta keep her in line, or I’d easily give her anything she asks for.” I arch a brow at Penny, who giggles.
Sutton’s eyes crinkle. “I’m sure you give her the world.” Her hand lands on my arm, and I glance down with knitted eyebrows. She pulls away quickly and clears her throat.
My heart races, and guilt washes over me for my brusque reaction.
“Where does a gal find a dress for the sock hop ‘round here?” Sutton asks Penny.
“There’s a store that sells them, but… I don’t know if they will fit you.” Penny crinkles her nose.
“They’re for children,” I quickly add before Sutton takes it the wrong way.
“Yeah, I don’t think that’ll fit me.” She leans forward on her elbows and smirks at Penny, rubbing her head.
Penny giggles and shakes her head, eyeing the cupcakes.
“No more,” I warn, covering the box. Her scowl makes us laugh, but I’m firm on the sugar quantity she eats, especially during the week. As it is, I wasn’t planning on letting her have two tonight.
“There’s a store a short walk from here where you can probably find something for the sock hop. It’s called Threads. They carry women’s clothes and will order a few things for the sock hop. If not, you can order something online,” I explain.
“Thanks. Yeah, I’ll take a look around. I’ve still got a few weeks to prepare, but it’d be fun to dress up.”
“The town goes all-out,” I give her a warning smile.
Sutton laughs. “I believe it. From the few events I’ve been to here, y’all don’t hold back.”
“What’s yull?” Penny asks with a tilt of her head, mispronouncing the word.
Sutton laughs, snorting, and covers her mouth as her eyes bug open. Pink colors her neck and cheeks as she looks at me. I chuckle and shake my head.
Fuck, she’s cute.
The thought freezes me, wondering where the hell that came from. Wide-eyed, I go to drink my coffee until I remember the cup is empty. We should leave.
“It’s a contraction of you all. Us southerners use it all the time,” Sutton explains once she gathers herself.
I remain still, trying to catch-up with the thoughts swimming in my brain. Sure, Sutton is beautiful, but I’m not looking for anyone. I’ve already had someone in my life, and that’s enough to last me.
“What do you think, Daddy?” Penny looks up at me from her lashes and a dangerous smile.
“About?” I sheepishly admit I wasn’t paying attention.
“Can we help Sutton find a dress for the sock hop?” I curse Penny’s bright smile.
“I’m sure she doesn’t want us in the way while she’s shopping,” I search for an excuse.
“She said it’d be okay. Honest.” Penny twists her lips while she anxiously waits for my response.
I look at Sutton, her eyes fixed on Penny, and her teeth gnawing at her lower lip. When she looks over at me, she whispers, “You don’t have to. I felt bad telling her no.”
I take a deep breath and close my eyes.
“How about I think about it and make sure we have time while Sutton’s still in town?” I give my daughter a bullshit excuse, and she nods softly, disappointment evident on her face.
“Maybe Abbie will let me go with her.” Her soft whisper kills me, and I rub my forehead.
“Hey, don’t be sad.” Sutton wraps her arm around Penny’s shoulders and pulls her into her side. “I’ll still be around town.”
“You’re not leaving?” She peers up at Sutton in admiration.
“Not for a couple of weeks. I’ll have to go back to Nashville, but I’ll be back.”
“Really?” Penny sits up.
“Yeah, kiddo.”
I watch their interaction, observing the way Penny looks at Sutton, and I know I’m in trouble. There’s no way I’ll be able to easily keep Sutton at a distance. Not when my daughter thinks she’s the best kind of hero, and I don’t have the heart to take that away from her.
“We should go,” I interrupt their giggle fest.
“Oh yeah, school night, right?” Sutton looks up at me. “Thanks for the company and the cupcake. I appreciate it. This beat going back to the B&B early.” She stands and collects our trash, throwing it out as I get Penny and our box of leftover cupcakes.
“I’ll see y’all around. Say hi to Singy for me,” Sutton winks at Penny, who laughs wildly.
“He isn’t real.” Her eyes widen, and she shakes her head in disbelief.
Sutton simply smiles and waves at us as Penny calls out, “Bye, Famous Singer,” before blowing her a kiss. Sutton pretends to catch it from across the street. When I lock eyes with her, a shy smile appears on her face, and she nods once before walking away.
“I like her
,” Penny sighs.
“Yeah.” I nod, guiding her back to my truck and buckling her in.
I remind myself a woman like Sutton isn’t for me. She’s worldly, talented, and meant to travel the globe to share her music. I’m a small-town boy with a daughter and a ranch to tend to. We’re from two different worlds, and our collision is just temporary.
Sutton
I stare out of the window as Knox drives to Boise for a show tonight. Watching the road fly by from the back seat, I lean my head against the cool glass and sigh.
“What’s going on, buttercup?” Harris elbows me.
“Nothing,” I shake my head, but his question catches Ainsley’s attention, and she turns in her seat to look at me. The lines between her eyebrows are deep grooves.
“Are you sick?”
“No, I’m fine. I’m just tired.” I shrug and roll my eyes, playing it off.
The real problem is that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Gavin since I saw him on Thursday at The Mad Batter. Although I spoke mostly with Penny, the man next to me did not go unnoticed.
Watching the way he is with Penny made me smile. It’s clear he’s a great father and adores her, but that’s all I can tell about him. He gives nothing away, a steel guard protecting him. Leave it to me to fall for the unavailable man.
When we finally arrive at Boise, I step off the truck and stretch. The six-hour drive dragged on, my mind warring with my heart and bringing me down in the process. I need to perk up before my set.
After a quick soundcheck with the band, who met us here since they don’t live in Everton, I stand off to the side of the stage in the small auditorium and watch Knox do his soundcheck.
“What’s really going on?” Ainsley moves next to me, eyeing me with scrutiny.
I look at her out of the corner of my eye and shrug. “Nothing.”
“Does this have to do with Gavin?” She lifts her eyebrows knowingly.
I sigh and shake my head. “I saw him and Penny the other day at The Mad Batter, and they invited me to sit with them and have a cupcake. It would’ve been the perfect opportunity to get to know him better, but he was just…quiet,” I search for the right word. “He barely spoke to me. Thankfully, Penny was a chatterbox. It’s silly, and I shouldn’t let it affect me, but there’s somethin’ about him.”
Wrapping her arm around my shoulder, Ainsley comforts me. “He’s a dad. That can’t be easy, let alone allow for dating to be a priority. Who knows what happened with Penny’s mom that may keep him distant.”
I nod. “I’ve thought about all of this.” I shake my head. “Maybe I’m getting my period, and I’m just overly emotional,” I chuckle.
Ainsley smiles. “Maybe.”
“Anyway, tonight is about performing and making sure people like my music enough that they help me rise in the charts.” I’ve stayed steady in the Top 200 on Apple Music, and my online streams have increased. I’ve maintained a constant flow, for which I’m grateful. I know when I release my next single, that will only help my career.
“You’re going to be fantastic like you always are.”
“Thanks, Ainsley.” I smile and lean my head on her shoulder as Knox finishes.
Knowing I have people I can count on during this chaotic moment in my life makes breathing a little easier. When Harris first approached me in Nashville about signing with Bentley Records, I was unsure. They are a new label, it’s small, and I’d be their first artist. My roommate and friend told me to wait for a bigger label. If I was chasing my dreams to go big or go home. My parents didn’t have much of an idea, so their advice was to follow my gut. It’d never let me down so far.
So that’s what I did. I followed my gut and agreed to a meeting with Harris and Knox. After hearing them speak, their passion and vision for the music industry, my gut tapped and said, Go for it. It’s been the best decision. While we may not have a huge fancy building with hundreds of employees, I know I’m more than a brand to make them money. They listen to me, ask me what my goals are, the kind of music I want to create. Most importantly, I know I’m not alone in this, and that is invaluable.
“You still down, buttercup?” Harris teases me.
I place my hands on my hips as I glare at him. “I am not down. I’m perfect and ready to play music.”
“Are you sure? You havin’ guy problem?” His eyes twinkle in mischief.
I throw back with as much attitude, “How about you? When are you going to propose to that angel of a woman?” Lifting a brow, I wait for his reaction. Instead, I’m met with a shy smile.
“Shut. Up.” I slap his arm.
“Ow.” Harris rubs where I just hit him. “Don’t say a word.” He points at me with a glare.
“I would never. Promise.” I place my hands together in front of my face, a huge smile now on my face. “Did you know about this?” I turn to Ainsley.
She smiles and shrugs. I can’t believe I had no idea.
“I’m so happy,” I squeal and hug him.
“Please keep it to yourself,” Harris warns.
“Honestly, I won’t tell a soul.”
“Glad to see it helped turn your mood around,” he winks and walks onto the stage to check up on Knox. Harris and Poppy deserve this, especially Poppy, after all the crap she went through with the men in this town. I don’t know anyone else who deserves her happy ending as much as she does.
Sighing contentedly, I join them and listen to the instructions as we go over a few last-minute details before we get ready for the VIP meet and greet before the show.
After doing my hair and makeup, Ainsley pops in and asks if I’m ready. Nodding, I stand and look in the mirror one last time before walking out of the room.
“I love this outfit,” she compliments, pointing to my tan suede fringe skirt and black tank that reads, Whiskey in a teacup.
“Thanks. I thought it’d be fun for tonight.”
Harris and Knox are waiting for us near the meet and greet, the chatter of fans heard from here. Taking a deep breath, Knox and I walk out to where the fans are waiting in line, and they erupt in cheers.
I smile and stand in front of my banner, next to Knox’s. After fans greet Knox and take pictures, they move on to me. It amazes me how many of these people are familiar with my music, ask for pictures and autographs, and some even choke up. This experience only solidifies that I’m on the right track.
I smile when a mom walks toward me, carrying her young daughter, who hides her face in the crook of her mom’s neck.
“Hi,” I say softly, leaning in to look at the little girl.
“She’s shy, but she loves your music,” her mom explains.
“It’s an honor to meet you. What’s your name?”
“Stacy,” the young girl’s voice comes through quietly.
“Do you want to take a picture?” She nods and lifts her head. She can’t be more than six, and I think about Penny.
“I have a friend that’s about your age, and she loves cupcakes. What’s your favorite sweet?”
This gets Stacy’s attention, and she smiles. “Donuts.”
“Oh, that’s a great choice. Let me guess…” I tap my lips. “Pink glaze with sprinkles?” I smile, hopeful I guessed correctly.
Stacy giggles and nods. “How’d you know?”
“Lucky guess,” I wink. “How about that picture? And then you can tell me which song of mine is your favorite.”
Stacy nods, and the photographer takes a picture of Stacy, her mom, and me before I chat with them a few more minutes.
“Thank you for taking your time with her. I know you’ve got a line piling up,” her mom tells me.
“No need to thank me. Everyone deserves a chance to meet an artist they like.” Her mom smiles and nods, walking away so the next person can meet me.
Once everyone has had a chance to meet us, take pictures, and ask us questions, we head backstage to get ready for the show. Singing is something I’ve always dreamed of, and not only living tha
t dream but witnessing the impact I have on people fills me with humility. I knew if and when I became known as an artist, I’d become a role model for people, especially younger girls, and that’s something I take seriously.
…
“Famous Singer.” I turn around with a smile when I hear my signature nickname coming from the one little girl that calls me that. I’m walking down Main Street a couple of days after our concert in Boise as I head to Cup-O-Joe.
Penny is waving at me from a few feet behind me, holding a woman’s hand. By the uncanny resemblance, it’s clear that she’s Gavin’s mother. I make my way to them as they meet me halfway, Penny’s grandma smiling with curiosity.
“Hi!” I smile down at Penny before looking at her grandma. “I’m Sutton.” I reach out to shake her hand.
“Hello, I’m Alicia. It’s nice to finally meet you. Penny has been talking about you all week—”
“Where have you been?” Penny interrupts the introductions. “I haven’t seen you since we had cupcakes.” Her small pout would make me giggle if she didn’t look so darn sad.
Bending down, I explain, “I had to go to a show this weekend, but I’m back now. I met a little girl that reminded me a lot of you.”
“Really?” Her eyebrows shoot up. “What’s her name?”
“Stacy.”
Penny thinks about this for a moment with furrowed eyebrows.
“Did you give her a toy?”
“No,” I giggle. “I met her before my show.”
“Okay.” She nods and seems pleased with this response. “You gave me Singy because you like me,” she states.
“Of course.” I nod and stand.
“She loves that stuffed chick. Thank you for giving it to her,” Alicia says with a smile.
“It was nothing. I’m just glad she’s better.”
“Oh, she’s better, all right. She’s been trying to convince me to take her to The Mad Batter all morning.”
I chuckle. I have a feeling Penny could live off of cupcakes if they let her.
“It’s spring break, and she thinks that’s a reason to eat sugar all day,” Alicia adds.
“Ah, that’s why you aren’t in school.” I look at Penny.
Then I Met You: A single dad romance (Love in Everton Book 6) Page 5